Pilot and pilot coupler



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PILOT AND PILOT COUPLER ullllllllllullll Jan. 11, 1938. G. T. `joHNsoN Er AL PILOT AND PILOT COUPLER -sheets-sh'eet :5

Filed NOV. 6,; 1935 c/o-nsazz lM015?. Af. Wlfe Jam. l1, G. T. JOHNSON Er A1.

PILOT AND PILOT COUPLER Filed Nov. 6, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 mn.. E

Jam 11, 1 938- G. T. JOHNSON n A1.

PILOT AND PILOT CUPLER Filed NOV. 6, 1935 5 SheetsA-Sheet 5 Patented Jan. 11, 1938 UNITED STATI-:s

PATENT OFFICE PILOT AND PILOT COUPLER Application November 6, 1935, Serial No. 48,573

18 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in train couplers and more especially to a novel locomotive pilot coupler, coupler pocket and coupleroperating mechanism. l v

Most locomotives used in train. service do not require constant use of the\pilot coupler, and the pilot coupler is notused at all by the locomotive When it is at the front end of freight or passenger trains. It is desirable, from the standpoint of safety, not to have a pilot coupler projecting beyond the contour of the locomotive pilot' when the locomotive is 4at the front end of the train, due

to the coupler catching highway vehicles at grade crossings and rolling the vehicles in front of or under the Vfront end of the locomotive, thereby causing der-ailment of :locomotive and greater damage to occupants of both highway vehicles and trains than if the pilot is free of projections, giving the vehicles more chance to be thrown to one side or the other of the locomotive.

The following are the main objects of the invention:

1. A pilot coupler lthat may be readily swung to a position within the contour of the pilot when not used in coupling.

2. A pilot and coupler arranged so that when the coupler is moved from. its coupling position it is retainedy in a .position which frees the pilot from any projecting surfaces.

3. A coupler having its surface contour arranged so that when it is moved from its coupling position thecoupler presents a surface conforming substantially tothe contour of the pilot.

4. A pilot, coupler, and'coupler-operating mechanism arranged so that when the coupler is moved from its coupling position the coupler-operating mechanism also moves into a position that-eliminates any projections in front of the pilot and is retained in its out-of-the-way position.

4o 5. A pilot having a substantially unbroken contour and a coupler arranged in a pocket of the pilot in a manner so that when it is desired to couple at the pilot end of a locomotive the coupler head projects for coupling.

The invention is just as applicable to the rear end of stream-lined trains or to the front and rear of rail motor car units or other equipment on which it is desirable to stream-line or shroud the ends. Therefore, a further. object of the invention is to supply improved couplers, coupler pockets and coupler-operatingA devices especially suitable for such purposes.

With the foregoing objects outlined and with l other objects in view which will appear as the l 55 description proceedsthe invention consists in the v mechanism.

novel features hereinafter described in detail, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a front elevation of a locomotive pilot provided with one form of our improved coupling Fig. 2. is a top plan view of the coupler in retracted position.

Fig. 3 is a similar view with the coupler in projected position,

Fig. 4 is another top plan view with the coupleroperating mechanism removed.

Fig. 5 is a Vertical sectional view taken on the line 5'5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a detail of the coupler link'operating mechanism taken on the line 6 6 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 'I is a perspective view of the operating mechanism shown detached from the pilot. Fig. 8 is a Vertical sectional view of a modication and showing the coupler in retracted position.

Fig. 9 is a similar view with the coupler in projected position.

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the carrier iron of the mechanism shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

Fig. 1l is a side elevation of said iron.

Fig. l2 is a top plan view of the modification.

Fig.r 13 is a front elevation of the same..

Referring to the form of the invention shown same with the in Figs. l to 7 inclusive, I9 designates a locomotive pilot having a pocket which may be cast integral with the pilot or may be a separate castling secured to the pilot in any suitable way. In other words, the pocket casting may be a separate unit 'adapted to be secured to the other parts; it may be integral with the pilot beam at the upper end of -the pilot; the pocket casting, pilot beam and pilot may be integral; the pocket casting and center portion of the pilot may be integral or any other suitable combination of the front end castings maybe employed within the l spirit of our invention.

In connection with the foregoing it may be explained that the pilot is considered to be the sloping-portion below the pilot beam and in these cases the pilot beam has the same slope as the pilot.

At the rear end of a stream-lined train or car, neither a pilot nor a pilot beam is used, although a sloping shroud may Vor'may not be employed. In accordance with our invention the pocket casting may be separate from or integralwith the shroud or rear end of such a train or car.

' A coupler 2| of special form is pivotally mounted in the pocket on a vertical pin 22 so as to allow the coupler to be moved in a horizontal plane. This allows the coupler to be moved from retracted to coupling position, and when the coupler is housed in the pocket its front face conforms with the face of the pilot to substantially eliminate any projecting parts.

For the purpose of holding the coupler in housed position, the tail of the coupler is provided with a notch 23 to engage a retaining pin 24 that may be inserted in holes 25 and 26 in the top and bottom respectively of the pocket. The same pin or key limits the swinging movement of the coupler in one direction when the coupler is in coupling position, for in such position the notch 41 in the pilot-contoured side of the coupler can enthe pocket.

gage the pin. Of course, the pin is: removed when it is necessary to swing the coupler from retracted to coupling position or vice versa.

The roof of the coupler pocket is provided with an arc-shaped notch `21 to accommodate the lock-lifting mechanism of the coupler and when the coupler is in housed position, a. horn 28 on the coupler projects into and closes said slot.

The lock-lifting mechanism consists of a horizontal rock shaft 29 pivoted in bearings; 30 on the top of the pilot and having handles 3l at its ends to allow the mechanism to be operated from either end of the pilot. An arm 32 projects forwardly from the rock shaft and terminates in a horizontal loop 33. A link 34 has an eye 35 at one end engaging one side of the loop 33 and from this side' of the loop 33 the link 34 extends over and rests on the opposite side of the loop. 'I'he link is offset at 48 to provide a substantially vertical shoulder which abuts the inner surface ofthe last mentioned side of the loop and causes the link 34 to move concentric with the pin 22, thus preventing the eye from binding on the rear of loop 33. An eye 36 at the opposite end of the link engages any suitable connecting means, such -as a hook 31 projecting from the locking mechanism of the coupler. The flexible joints provided by such mechanism allow the coupler to be moved from housed position to coupling position without interference by the operating mechanism of the coupler lock. For the purpose of holding the link 34 in the desired positions, a hump 38 is arranged on the ,loop 33. When the link 34 is rearwardly of the hump, the latter willprevent the link from moving forwardly while the,

^ From Fig. 2, it may be seen that when the coupler is in closed position any force acting against the contoured plate on the coupler will be restrained at three places,y namely: pin 24, pin 22, and through the guard arm of the coupler abutting the rear wall of the pocket.

It is customary to provide locomotive pilot couplers with means` for adjusting coupler height, and for the purposes of the present invention, shims 39 may be arranged on the pivot pin 22 between the top of the coupler and the roof of Other shims 40 may be used if desired. These will surround the upwardly proljecting boss 4l on the floor of the pocket and for'm a bearing for the lower e'dge'of the coupler.-

In -coupler applications it is important to provide freedom for horizontal angling of the coupler in coupled positions. It is furthermore imbeen developed from the` standpoint of providing suitable bearing area without exposing excessive opening in the pilot contour when the coupler is in non-coupling position. The opening which in this construction is exposed, is of the form of a triangular based pyramid as shown at 43 in Fig. 1.

From that iigure our arrangement of related surfaces fulfilling .the following important related requirements may be seen:

(1) Substantially complete closure of the pilot contour along the line 44.

(2) Clearance as afforded by space between the knuckle side of the coupler and the edge 45 of the contoured plate to allow:

a. Knuckle to swing open for coupling. b. Clearance for guard arm of engaging coupler.

(3) Substantial bearing area 46 at butt end of shank is effected by proper consideration having been lgiven to requirement (2) and the requirement of providing suiiicient horizontal angling of coupler (in coupler position), toward knuckle side, and the requirement of avoiding excessive opening at the edge 43 when the coupler is in non-coupling position.

It should be understood thatthe rear end of the coupler when in coupled position abuts the rear wall of the pocket as shown at 46 in Fig. 3.

In the modification shown in Figs. 8 to 13 inclusive, the coupler swings downwardly into housed position instead of side ways. Referring to the last-mentioned figures, 56 designates a horizontal pivot pin on which a sleeve 5l rocks. This sleeve has a projecting arm 52 on which is pivoted the rear end of the coupler 53 by means of a pivot pin 54. The coupler in this instance is provided with a pilot-contoured plate 55 and this has a hole 56 to accommodate the lock-lifting mechanism of the coupler which may be of the same construction shown in Fig. 'l with the exception that the hook 31 will have to be connected to the eye 51 of the lock-lifting portion of the coupler by means of a suitable detachable fastening.

When the coupler is in housed position an abutment 58 on the coupler will engage a stationary abutment 59 of the pocket casting 60, and

a removablepin 6| may be passed through a sleeve 62-in the roof of the pocket and engage the coupler for holding it in non-coupling position. When the pin is removed the coupler may position by passing a retaining key 65 through apertures 66 and 61 provided respectively in the pocket and carrier iron.

In order to allow horizontal swinging movement ofthe coupler when in coupling position,

coupler. The carrier iron is pivotally a clearance space 68 is provided between the sleeve and the coupler,.and the pocket casting has notches 69 to accommodate the edges of the pilot-contoured face 55 of the coupling.

In the foregoing description we have explained our invention in connection with a pilot, but as heretofore mentioned, the invention is not to be confined to such use as it can also be ernployed at the rear end of stream-lined trains or at'the front and rear of rail motor car units or in the equipment on which it is desirable to stream-line or shroud the ends. It will there- 4fore be understood that in the following claims where We refer to a locomotive pilot having a pocket, we intend this expression to also include a pocket arranged in the rear end of stream-lined trains or in the front or rear of rail motor car units or other equipment on which it is desirable to, stream-line or shroud the ends. Obviously in such constructions the contouredplate of the coupler will conform to the shape of the shroud or end of the car or the like. While we have disclosed what we now consider to be preferred embodiments of the invention, we are aware that changes may be made in the detailsv disclosed without departing from thd spirit of the invention as expressed in the claims. What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In improvements of the character described, a locomotive pilot having a pocket, a coupler adapted to be housed in the pocket and movably mounted to permit the same tol be moved from a position within the pocket to coupling position and vice versa, said coupler having a pilot-contoured plate substantially conforming with the contour of the pilot when the coupler is in housed position, said coupler having a lock-lifting element and the pocket having a slot to accommodate said element when the coupler is moved into housed position.

2. In improvements of the character described, a locomotive pilot having a pocket, a coupler adapted to be housed in the pocket and movably mounted to permit the same to be moved from a position within the pocket to coupling position and vice versa, said coupler having a pilot-contoured plate substantially Iconforming with the contour of the pilot when the coupler is in housed position, said coupler having a lock-lifting ele- `ment and the pocket being provided with a slot closing said slot, the last-mentioned means com# prising a horn projecting from the coupler.

4. In improvements of the character described, a locomotive pilot having a pocket, a coupler l adapted to be housed in the pocket and movably mounted to permit the same to be moved from a position within the pocket to coupling position and viceversa, said coupler having a pilot-contoured plate substantially conforming with the contour of the pilot when the coupler is in housed position, said coupler having 'a lock-lifting element, a link connecting the lock-lifting element and having an eye at one end thereof, a rock shaft, an arm projecting from the rock shaft and having a loop, said link resting on said loop and the eye of the link surrounding a portion of the loop.

5. In improvements of the character described, a locomotive pilot having a pocket, a coupler adapted to be housed in the pocket and movably mounted to permit the same to be moved from a position within the pocket to coupling position and vice versa, said coupler having a pilot-contoured plate substantially conforming with the contour of the pilot when the coupler is in'housed position, said coupler having a lock-lifting element, a link connecting the lock-lifting element and having an eye at one end thereof, a rock shaft, an arm projecting from the rock shaft and having a loop, said link resting on said loop and the eye of the link surrounding a portion of the loop, and means for holding the link in different positions.

6. In improvements of the character described,

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a locomotive pilot having a pocket, a coupler adapted to be housed in the pocket and movably mounted to permit the same to be moved from aposition within the pocket to coupling position and vice versa, said coupler having a pilot-coni f and having an eye at one end thereof, a rock shaft, an arm projecting from the rock shaft and having a loop, said link resting'on said loop and the eye of the link surrounding a portion of the' loop, and a hump mounted on one of said -members for holding the link in different positions.

'7. In combination, a pilot having a pocket, a

vertical pivotA pin'in the pocket, a coupler pivotally mounted on said pin, shims cooperating with the pivot pin and coupler for adjusting the coupler height, said coupler having a pilot-contoured face which substantially closes the mouth of the pocket .1

when the coupler is in housed position, said coupler having a lock-lifting element and said pocket being slotted to accommodate said element.

8. In a pilot coupler having a vertical pivot pin,

a rock shaft, an arm rigid with the rock shaft and terminating in a loop, said loop being concentric with the axis of the pivot pin, a link resting on said loop and having an eye at one end engaging said loop, the opposite end of the link being provided with means for connecting the same to a lock-lifting element of a coupler.

9. In a pilot coupler having a vertical pivot pin, a rock shaft, an arm rigid with the rock shaft and terminating in a loop, said loop being concentric with the axis of the pivot pin, a link resting on said loop and having an eye at one end engaging said loop, the opposite end of the link being provided with means for connecting the same to a lock-lifting element of acoupler, one of said parts being provided with a hump for holding the link in different positions relatively to lsaid loop. l

'10. In mechanism of the character described, a coupler having a vertical pivot pin, a horizontal rock shaft, an arm fixed to the rock shaft, projecting forwardly therefrom and terminating in a horizontal loop, said loop being concentric with the axis of said pivot pin, a substantially horizontal link having its medial portion resting on one side of said loop, the rear end of the link having an eye engaging the opposite side of the loop, and means at the front end of the link for engaging a lock-lifting element of said coupler.

11. In mechanism of the character described a horizontal rock shaft, an arm fixed to the rock shaft, projecting forwardly therefrom and terminating in a horizontal loop, a substantially horizontal link having its medial portion resting on one side of said loop, the rear end of the link having an eye -engaging the opposite side of the .-loop, and means at the front end ofthe link for engaging a lock-lifting element of a coupler, said loop having a hump projecting upwardly and cooperating with the link for limiting sliding'movement of the link on the upper surface of the loop.

12. In mechanism of the character described, a locomotive pilot having a pocket, a vertical pivot pin in the pocket, a coupler mounted for turning movement on said pin and having a pilot-contoured face, said coupler having a lock-lifting element, and means for lifting the last-mentioned element, said means having a swiveljoint in line with the axis of the pin to allow a portion of said means to move With the lock-lifting element of the coupler when the latter is swung from a housed position with the pocket to coupling posi`- tion and vice versa. v

13. In mechanism of the character described, a

locomotive ypilot having a pocket, a horizontal pivot pin in the pocket, a member mounted for rocking movement about the axis of said pivot pin, a second pivot pin carried by said member and having its axis arranged at an angle to the axis of the rst-mentioned pivot pin, a, coupler swiveled on the second pivot pin and having a pilot-contoured plate to close the mouth of the pocket, and a movable carrier iron for supporting the coupler when the latter is in coupling position.

14. In improvements ofgthe character described,

a locomotive pilot having a pocket, a coupler adapted' to be housed in the pocket and movably mountedvto permit the same to be moved from a position Within vthe pocket to coupling position and vice versa, said coupler having a pilot-contoured plate substantially conforming with theI a locomotive pilot having a pocket,.a coupler adapted to be housed in the pocket and movably mounted to permit the same t be moved from a position within the pocket, to coupling position and vicel versa, said coupler having a pilot-contoured plate substantially conforming with the contour of the pilotwhen the coupler is in housed position, said plate being notched and said coupler alsobeing notched, and a retaining pin cooperating with said notches for holding the coupler in housed position or for Hunting movement of the coupler when it is in coupling position.

16. In improvements of the character described, a locomotive pilot having a pocket, a coupler plvoted for movement about a vertical axis and movable from a position within the pocket Ito coupling position and vice versa, said coupler having a lock-lifting element, a link connected to the locklifting element and having an eye at one end thereof, an arm projecting fromv the rock shaft and having a loop, said loop being concentric with said axis, said link resting on one side of said loop and the eye of the link surrounding the opposite i vice versa, saidcoupler having a pilot-contoured face for substantially closing the `mouth of the pocket when th'e coupler is housed' within the pocket, a pivot pin connecting the coupler to the pocket, and a removable key for retaining the coupler in housed position, the head endl of the coupler when in housed position being adapted to bear against a portion of the pocket whereby when the coupler is in housed position any force acting, against the coupler will be restrained by the pivot pin, the retaining key and the abutting surfaces of the head of the coupler and said portion of thepocket.

18.`In improvements of the character described, a, locomotive pilot having a pocket, a coupler adapted to be housed in the pocket andfmovably mounted to permit the same to be moved from a position within the .pocket to coupling position and vice versa, said coupler having a lock-lifting element, a link connected'to the lock-lifting element and having an eye at one end thereof, a rock shaft, an arm projecting from the rock shaft and having a loop, said link resting on one side dof (said loop, and the eye of the link surrounding the opposite side of the link, a portion of the link being offset to provide ashoulder slidably engaging the inner surfaceof the loop, and a hump mounted on one of said means for holding the link in vdiierent positions.

v `GEORGE T. JOHNSON.

HARRY H. WoLFE. 

